Trauma-Informed Workplaces: What They Are and Why They Matter

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by Christian Nwachukwu
April 17, 2022
A trauma-informed workplace understands the impact of stress and trauma on employees. Here's why they matter and how you can make your office one.

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Did you know that one in five American adults experience a mental health disorder in a given year? That’s more than 43 million people! And according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “mental illness costs America $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year.” The good news is that many of these disorders are treatable, and there are things we can do to support employees who are struggling. This article will discuss what trauma-informed workplaces are and why they matter.

What is a trauma-informed workplace?

A trauma-informed workplace recognizes the impact of trauma on employees and takes steps to create a supportive environment. Trauma can affect an individual’s physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being, so employers must understand the effects of trauma and provide employees with the resources they need to heal and succeed.

Why do they matter?

Trauma-informed workplaces matter because they create an environment that is conducive to healing. They understand the effects of trauma on individuals and aim to support employees. This can lead to increased productivity, reduced staff turnover, and more positive work culture.

How can workplaces become more trauma-informed

There are a few ways that workplaces can become more trauma-informed. One way is to provide trauma-sensitive training for all employees. This would include teaching employees about the effects of trauma and how to be more understanding and supportive of coworkers who may have experienced a traumatic event.

Another way to become more trauma-informed is to create a safe and supportive environment for employees. This could involve having a designated space for employees to talk about their experiences with trauma and provide resources and support for those who need it.

Ultimately, it is essential to be aware of the signs of trauma and how to respond helpfully. By being more trauma-informed, workplaces can create a safer and more supportive environment for all employees.

What are the benefits of having a trauma-informed workplace?

There are many benefits to having a trauma-informed workplace. Some of these benefits include reducing the instance of traumatic experiences, improving mental health and overall well-being, and increasing productivity.

Reducing the instance of traumatic experiences is an important benefit of having a trauma-informed workplace. Traumatic experiences can have a lasting impact on an individual’s life, both professionally and personally. Creating a workplace that is aware of the potential for trauma and takes steps to prevent it can help reduce the amount of trauma that individuals experience.

Improving mental health and overall well-being is another critical benefit of having a trauma-informed workplace. Many people who have experienced trauma struggle with mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Creating a supportive workplace and understanding mental health issues can help improve the overall well-being of employees.

Lastly, increasing productivity is another benefit of having a trauma-informed workplace. Trauma can often lead to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and increased stress levels. By creating a workplace that supports employees who have experienced trauma, you can help increase productivity and reduce stress levels.

Resources for learning more about trauma-informed workplaces

Some great resources for learning more about trauma-informed workplaces include:

The National Center on Trauma-Informed Care: This website provides extensive information on trauma-informed care and how to implement it in various settings.

SAMHSA’s TIP Series on Trauma: This series of publications from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers guidance on creating trauma-informed workplaces.

The National Council for Behavioral Health: This website provides resources and information on creating trauma-informed care environments.

Creating a trauma-informed workplace can make a big difference in the lives of employees who have experienced traumatic events. By providing resources and support, businesses can help employees heal and thrive.


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